Most Windows programs include a menu bar as part of their windows. The menu bar is the rectangular region found just below the title bar and above any toolbars in the program window. The menus contain all the tools, or functions, available in the program. The menus are also called cascading menus, or pull-down menus.

When would I use the menu bar?

You can use the menu bar to do most of your work in Windows programs. Many programs include standard menus such as the File, Edit, and Help menus.

The File menu includes basic file management tools:

1.     New: Creates an empty file, document, or folder.

2.     Open: Opens a file or folder in the window.

3.     Save: Stores a copy of the open file to disk.

4.     Print: Sends the information from the current file to the printer.

5.     Properties: Displays information about the open or selected file or folder.

The Edit menu includes tools for modifying existing items:

1.     Cut: Removes selected information or folder, placing it in the Windows clipboard for         temporary storage.

2.     Copy: Places a duplicate of the selected information or folder in the Windows         clipboard for temporary storage without removing it from the original location.

3.     Paste: Inserts data, files, or folders from the clipboard in the active window.

The Help menu includes information about the program.

1.     Help Topics: Displays online help program, containing instructions.

2.     About…: Displays copyright and license information about the program.

How do I use the menu bar?

Point to one of the items with a small black triangle at the right of a menu item. A sub-menu appears with more program icons.

While there are many tasks that can be done using the menu items, below is one example of how to use tools on a menu.

Create a new folder using the menu bar:

1.     Start Windows Explorer or My Computer.

2.     Click "New" on the File menu.

3.     Click "Folder" on the pull-down sub-menu. A new folder is created within the current         folder. The default name is "New Folder."